The Prince and Princess of Wales have spent the past 15 years perfecting a distinct approach to couple dressing – one that relies less on overt matching and more on subtle coordination and tone. From their engagement announcement to recent state visits, their wardrobe choices have consistently balanced symbolism and diplomacy. As the couple celebrate their 15-year wedding anniversary on April 29, here is a look back at some of their best looks together.
Engagement Announcement – November 16, 2010
The couple’s first major fashion moment came with their engagement announcement at St James’s Palace. Kate wore a navy silk jersey wrap dress by Brazilian-born designer Daniella Issa Helayel, which sold out within hours and is widely credited with launching what became known as the “Kate effect.” The deep blue tone echoed the sapphire engagement ring, formerly owned by Diana, Princess of Wales. William opted for a dark suit and tie, establishing early on the pair’s preference for tonal coordination rather than identical dressing.
Wedding Day – April 29, 2011
For their wedding at Westminster Abbey, the Princess of Wales wore a gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, championing British designers. The design combined a fitted bodice with long lace sleeves and a full skirt, drawing on Victorian corsetry traditions. Hand-cut lace motifs such as a rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock represented the four nations of the United Kingdom. William wore the scarlet tunic of the Irish Guards, reflecting his role as Colonel; the contrast between his military uniform and couture bridalwear set a formal template for subsequent royal occasions.
Early Engagements – June 25, 2011
In one of their first official appearances after the wedding, at Victoria Barracks in Windsor, the couple appeared in a coordinated, military-influenced palette. Kate wore a navy coat dress with structured shoulders and prominent gold button detailing, paired with a matching navy fascinator and suede pumps. The look, attributed to Alexander McQueen, reflected the naval setting. Prince William wore the full ceremonial uniform of the Blues and Royals, including a dark tunic with braid detailing, a peaked cap, and a red sash at the waist. The pairing worked visually without being overtly matched – a styling approach that would become a consistent feature of their joint appearances.
Canada Tour – July 2011
During their first overseas tour as a married couple, the then Duke and Duchess adapted their wardrobe to the local culture. At the Calgary Stampede, both wore cowboy hats. Kate paired hers with jeans and western-style boots, while William opted for a checked shirt and dark denim. The approach to tour dressing – referencing local traditions without appearing overly contrived – has remained a consistent feature of their public appearances.
Birth of Prince George – July 23, 2013
When Prince George was born, the couple posed outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in London, in coordinating baby blue. Kate wore a light blue polka-dot dress by Jenny Packham, widely interpreted as a reference to the dress worn by Diana after William’s birth. William’s blue shirt reinforced the colour theme, which has been used repeatedly by the couple for family moments.
Ski Holiday – March 2016
It is no secret that the couple are sporty, and on a family ski trip with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the couple adopted practical gear in contrasting colours. Kate wore a white ski jacket with red trousers, while William opted for a blue jacket and dark trousers. The outfits were functional but coordinated enough to maintain an eye-catching appearance in official photographs.
BAFTAs – February 12, 2017
From the slopes to the red carpet – at the 2017 EE British Academy Film Awards, the couple adhered to a classic black-tie dress code. Kate wore a black floral gown by her now go-to designer Alexander McQueen, featuring a Bardot neckline and tiered skirt, while William chose a classic and traditional tuxedo. The pair were understated but still turning heads.
Family Trip to Germany – July 2017
Arriving in Germany with their two children in July 2017, the family once again coordinated in their favourite shade of blue. Kate wore a Catherine Walker coat dress, while William opted for a navy suit. The children’s outfits also coordinated, with Prince George wearing a pale blue shirt and navy shorts, and Princess Charlotte in a blue floral dress with matching shoes.
BAFTAs – February 18, 2018
In 2018, while pregnant with Prince Louis, Kate attended the BAFTAs in a muted green gown by Jenny Packham, featuring a black waistband. At the time, many attendees wore black in support of the Time’s Up movement – a Hollywood-led initiative launched on January 1, 2018, to combat systemic sexual harassment and gender inequality in the workplace, spurred by the #MeToo movement and Harvey Weinstein scandals. As a senior royal, Kate is expected to remain politically neutral, so instead of wearing full black, many viewed her outfit as a subtle acknowledgement of the moment with a black belt. William again wore a black tuxedo.
South Wales – August 2020
During a visit to Barry Island in South Wales, the couple adopted a relaxed yet coordinated approach to summer dressing. Kate wore a light blue floral midi dress by London designer Emilia Wickstead, featuring long sleeves, a belted waist, and a soft pleated skirt, paired with espadrille wedges. William opted for a grey linen blazer, pale blue shirt, and navy trousers. The shared tones and lightweight fabrics reflected the seaside setting while maintaining a cohesive look, perfect for a daytime engagement.
Scotland Visit – May 2021
In a nod to the nation during a visit to Scotland, Kate wore a green and blue tartan coat by Holland Cooper, referencing traditional Scottish dress, while William coordinated in a subtle tartan suit. This appearance of Holland Cooper contributed to increased visibility for the British brand, with Kate subsequently wearing the label on several occasions.
Top Gun Premiere – May 19, 2022
For the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick, the Prince and Princess of Wales leaned into a more directional take on eveningwear. Kate wore a dramatic black off-the-shoulder gown by Roland Mouret, featuring a Bardot neckline – one of her favourite silhouettes – with a white panel detail across the bodice that added a contrasting and contemporary edge. She carried on the Hollywood-inspired style with sleek, straight hair and minimal accessories. William opted for a classic black tuxedo but introduced a subtle thematic element through his footwear, wearing velvet slippers embroidered with aircraft motifs – a nod to the film’s aviation focus and his own experience as a former RAF search and rescue pilot. It seems method dressing certainly has the royal seal of approval.
Nigeria State Visit – March 18, 2026
During a state visit from Nigeria’s president and first lady in March 2026, the Princess of Wales used fashion to deliver a diplomatic message, wearing a grey and cream blazer-style frock coat by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker. The Prince of Wales opted for a traditional morning suit, featuring a black tailcoat, striped trousers, and a pale blue waistcoat. The tone subtly complemented Kate’s look, maintaining the couple’s consistent approach to coordination while allowing the focus to remain on the symbolic choice of designer.
